Man found guilty of stalking family in the Oban area

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A 25-year-old man has been found guilty of stalking a family who live in the Oban area.

Vernon Davies, who has no fixed abode, pleaded not guilty to the charge when he appeared in Oban Sheriff Court on Wednesday July 4.

However, Sheriff John Herald was satisfied that Davies did stalk a 16-year-old girl and her family.

Sheriff Herald said: ‘You are quite simply convicted of stalking. Perhaps people are not taking you as seriously as they should. When I say that, I rather suspect you are a person who requires more treatment than punishment.’

The sheriff deferred sentencing in order for the court to obtain reports, including a psychiatric report.

Sheriff Herald added that he was looking at making a compulsion order under the Mental Health Act.

A number of incidents took place between February 17 and June 3 of this year.

When giving evidence in court, the girl’s father said: ‘We just want this to stop. He needs help and assistance and it should not be from us. We just want to see light at the end of the tunnel.’

Davies’ solicitor, Eddie Thorton, said: ‘It is a matter of concern that he does not appreciate that the young lady does not have an emotional attachment to him.’